About Us
At Wingra Learning Collective, our goal is to provide students with the academic skills they need to succeed, along with opportunities for personal growth and connection with peers in a safe and welcoming environment. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, WLC was founded by a long-time AP English teacher who is passionate about helping students find their voice, become critical thinkers, and gain confidence in the academic environment. Our primary services include preparing rising high school juniors for AP and other advanced learning classes, and helping rising seniors with college admissions essay development and writing.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Team
Chris Vander Ark
Founder
Summer AP Prep 
College Admissions Essay Workshop
After a 25-year career teaching high school English, Chris founded Wingra Learning Collective to help students navigate the challenges of advanced academics through personalized education services. His approach combines rigorous academic standards with a supportive, engaging teaching style that empowers students to achieve their highest potential. Chris specializes in preparing students for AP English Language and Composition and other advanced English classes, as well as supporting students in college admissions essay writing.
Chris’s resume includes grading thousands of AP exams as an AP Reader and Table Leader over a 14-year period for the College Board.
Sarah Murphy
Teacher
Sarah Murphy has a B.S. in Biology and a Masters in Education. She has taught Honors Chemistry, Biology, AP Biology, Biotechnology, Physical Science and AP Environmental Science. Sarah joined the staff at Wingra Learning Collective to share her passion for scientific literacy with students through outdoor exploration. With 22 years of curriculum development experience, Sarah creates rich learning opportunities that build the complex skills that students need to be successful in advanced courses.
Deidre Jarecki
Teacher
Deidre Jarecki has a B.S. in English Education from UW-Milwaukee and an M.S. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from UW-Oshkosh. In 15 years of teaching in both suburban and urban schools, she’s inspired, supported, and challenged students to reach their goals in and out of the classroom. She’s taught 9th-12th grade English courses and electives such as Advanced Composition, Communications, World Literature, AP Seminar, and AVID. Deidre joined the Wingra Learning Collective to share her passion for making the writing process accessible and building student confidence.